Want a medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine? Good luck.
Valid medical conditions that might excuse someone are "very, very rare -- like one in a million," one disease expert said.
Vaccine Mandate
Mississippi's COVID crisis and abortion dispute
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves opposes vaccine mandates, even as his state has one of the highest death rates per capita in the U.S. The state is also in the news with the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to hear arguments on its restrictive abortion law. Mississippi Today senior political reporter Bobby Harrison joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with details.
Exemptions for COVID-19 vaccine mandates grow
Sweeping new vaccine mandates could force millions of vaccine holdouts to become inoculated against COVID-19, but many individuals with religious beliefs or disabilities could still be exempt from getting their shots. CBS news MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joined Lana Zak to discuss.
China looms large in debates over security
Tensions between the U.S. and China are escalating as the White House announces a new pact with the U.K. and Australia to counter Beijing's growing military and economic influence across the world. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN to discuss the future of U.S.-China relations and other news from the White House, including a new book that reveals General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called China in the waning days of the Trump administration.
What counts as a religious exemption to a vaccination mandate?
Simply saying, "I believe in God, I can't be vaccinated" won't get you an exemption, labor attorney says.
FDA neutral on COVID boosters
The FDA is not yet taking a definitive stance on whether or not booster shots are needed to help protect people from coronavirus infections. A key advisory committee is set to meet to discuss authorizing an extra dose of Pfizer's vaccine in the coming days. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca reports from Tennessee, where first vaccine doses remain low. Then, Dr. Adam Brown, an emergency physician and the COVID-19 national task force chair at Envision Healthcare, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Pfizer, Moderna call for COVID booster shots
Pfizer and Moderna are pushing for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, but the Food and Drug Administration has yet to support a third dose. Many Americans still need to be convinced to get their first shot. Omar Villafranca has more.
Biden meets with CEOs and business leaders on COVID-19
The Biden administration is ordering companies with 100 employees or more to require COVID-19 vaccines or testing.
Doctor on vaccine mandates, COVID in kids
Dr. Dyan Hes, the founder of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss the latest COVID-19 headlines including vaccine mandates and in-person learning at K-12 schools.
Judge blocks medical worker vaccine mandate in New York state
Health care workers' Constitutional rights were violated because state order barred religious exemption, court rules.
Maryland weighs decision to join vaccine lawsuit
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says he doesn't expect to join a GOP-led lawsuit over a federal COVID vaccine mandate for private employers. Several Republican governors have voiced their opposition to the plan and are planning to take legal action against the Biden administration. CBSN's Elaine Quijano has more.
Biden responds to vaccine mandate criticism
President Biden is hitting back after Republican governors and lawmakers criticized him over new COVID-19 vaccine mandates. During a visit to a middle school in the nation's capital Friday, the president accused some GOP governors of being "cavalier" with the health of children and their communities. This comes as the Delta variant continues to fuel cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports on the president's COVID-19 action plan, then joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
White House defends new vaccine mandates
The White House is defending President Biden's new COVID-19 vaccine mandates as several Republican leaders threaten to take legal action against the administration over its renewed push to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Mr. Biden is traveling west to campaign for embattled California Governor Gavin Newsom before the last day to vote in the state's recall election and to visit areas damaged by wildfires. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN to discuss.
Unvaccinated more likely to die from COVID
Citing the findings of a new study, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said unvaccinated individuals are at greater risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and death. Dr. Ali Raja, a professor at Harvard Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss that and the rest of the day's coronavirus headlines.
Hospital maternity ward on "pause" after unvaxxed staff resigns
Lewis County General Hospital in upstate New York says it will pause maternity-ward services starting September 25.
GOP resists Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate
Republican leaders are pushing back against President Biden’s vaccine mandate. However, new research shows the unvaccinated are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized or die of COVID-19. Weijia Jiang reports.
GOP governors pledge to sue over Biden's business vaccine mandate
"Have at it," President Biden said of legal challenges.
Why Biden's vaccine mandate could revive the economic recovery
Economists say mandating widespread vaccinations could help the nation's economy recover faster from the Delta variant.
Details of Biden's COVID-19 strategy
President Biden unveiled his most expansive actions yet in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, including vaccine mandates for federal workers and large companies. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the details and joins Anne-Marie Green on CBSN to discuss the president's action.
Expert calls new vaccine mandates "essential"
The Biden administration is taking its toughest stance yet to get Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 with new sweeping vaccine mandates. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports from the White House on reactions to President Biden's strategy, and John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College, joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss.
Los Angeles mandates COVID-19 vaccines for eligible students
COVID vaccines will be mandatory for all eligible students by Thanksgiving if they want to attend in-person classes.
Biden announces COVID-19 vaccine mandates that will affect 100 million Americans
The Department of Labor is developing an emergency rule requiring vaccinations at workplaces with 100 or more employees.
Special Report: Biden announces new COVID vaccine rules
President Biden announced several major new steps to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including a vaccine mandate for all federal workers and contractors, and requirements for vaccination or testing at companies with more than 100 employees. "We have made so much progress," he said. "Now we just have to finish the job." Norah O'Donnell anchors this CBS News Special Report, with CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. Read more here.
Biden to unveil new federal COVID strategy
President Biden is expected to announce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees and new requirements for vaccination or testing at companies with 100 or more employees. CBS News' Skyler Henry has details. Then Dr. Teresa Murray Amato, chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the potential impact.
COVID cases top 40 million in U.S.
Justin Gill, DNP, an urgent care nurse practitioner and vice president of the Washington State Nurses Association, joins CBSN to discuss the latest details on the coronavirus pandemic. the growing number of infections in children, and how masks and vaccines can help turn the tide.
Live
Iran lashes out with missiles as Israel says war still intensifying
Iran retaliates for Israel's latest assassinations as Trump and Netanyahu give no indication the war is about to let up, 19 days in.
What to know about Joe Kent, Trump counterterrorism chief who resigned
In a resignation letter, Joe Kent said Iran "posed no imminent threat to our nation," and he asserted that "we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
Exclusive
FBI, IRS to probe nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say
In December, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered law enforcement officials to prioritize efforts to probe and prosecute groups and individuals belonging to the antifa movement or are deemed "extremist."
Trump hasn't decided on sending Americans after Iran's nuclear material, sources say
The Pentagon has prepared multiple options for President Trump as potential next steps in the Iran war.
House Democrats try to force vote to fund DHS, but not ICE and CBP
Democrats would have to convince at least four Republicans to join their discharge petition to force a floor vote.
Dolores Huerta alleges assault by Cesar Chavez amid abuse claims
Allegations of abuse of women and girls by union leader Cesar Chavez were first reported by the New York Times on Wednesday.
DOJ blocked release of secret Epstein drug probe file, Sen. Wyden says
Sen. Ron Wyden says he believes the government had "ample evidence" that Epstein was involved in drug trafficking.
Sen. Rand Paul confronts Sen. Markwayne Mullin at heated hearing
Sen. Markwayne Mullin appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as the Senate considers his confirmation to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, citing economic uncertainty
Fed officials are grappling with a host of economic challenges, from stubborn inflation to a slowing job market.
U.S.
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What to know about Joe Kent, Trump counterterrorism chief who resigned
In a resignation letter, Joe Kent said Iran "posed no imminent threat to our nation," and he asserted that "we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
Maps show forecast for extreme heat wave scorching the West
A long-duration heat wave is taking shape over the western half of the U.S. and forecast to stick around in the days ahead.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, citing economic uncertainty
Fed officials are grappling with a host of economic challenges, from stubborn inflation to a slowing job market.
DOJ blocked release of secret Epstein drug probe file, Sen. Wyden says
Sen. Ron Wyden says he believes the government had "ample evidence" that Epstein was involved in drug trafficking.
Exclusive
FBI, IRS to probe nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say
In December, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered law enforcement officials to prioritize efforts to probe and prosecute groups and individuals belonging to the antifa movement or are deemed "extremist."
MoneyWatch
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Wall Street is betting on Ukraine's drone technology
Swarmer is likely to be the first of many: a Ukrainian defense startup with an American face that leans on U.S. capital to scale production for both the Ukrainian and American militaries.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, citing economic uncertainty
Fed officials are grappling with a host of economic challenges, from stubborn inflation to a slowing job market.
How to sign up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and save time at airports
Travelers hoping to bypass some of the increasingly long wait times at U.S. airports can enroll in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which is now operating at 65 locations.
Who is Josh D'Amaro, the new CEO of Disney?
As Disney CEO, Josh D'Amaro will be in charge of a massive entertainment empire that includes parks, movies and a streaming service.
Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in effort to ease energy prices
President Trump on Wednesday temporarily eased a century-old law that limits shippers from transporting energy products around the U.S.
Politics
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5 takeaways from the Illinois primaries
Illinois' heavily Democratic tilt means statewide candidates and those in the Chicago area and its suburbs are favored to win in November.
Which Illinois primary candidates spent the most money per vote?
Some Illinois primary election candidates raked in huge amounts of campaign cash. Not all of them won their primaries, despite massive spending.
What to know about Joe Kent, Trump counterterrorism chief who resigned
In a resignation letter, Joe Kent said Iran "posed no imminent threat to our nation," and he asserted that "we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
DOJ blocked release of secret Epstein drug probe file, Sen. Wyden says
Sen. Ron Wyden says he believes the government had "ample evidence" that Epstein was involved in drug trafficking.
Exclusive
FBI, IRS to probe nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say
In December, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered law enforcement officials to prioritize efforts to probe and prosecute groups and individuals belonging to the antifa movement or are deemed "extremist."
HealthWatch
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Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
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Wall Street is betting on Ukraine's drone technology
Swarmer is likely to be the first of many: a Ukrainian defense startup with an American face that leans on U.S. capital to scale production for both the Ukrainian and American militaries.
How Russia is benefitting from "America's war of choice in Iran"
Treasury chief Scott Bessent said Russia wouldn't benefit from an easing of oil sanctions to calm energy markets. But Russia is.
Trump hasn't decided on sending Americans after Iran's nuclear material, sources say
The Pentagon has prepared multiple options for President Trump as potential next steps in the Iran war.
Children discover mysterious ancient skeleton next to playground
The skeleton is the latest in a series of bodies discovered in the city of Dijon that were mysteriously buried in a seated position while facing west.
Belgian soldiers to protect Jewish sites as Iran war fuels antisemitism
Italian soldiers are patrolling Rome's ancient Jewish quarter and Belgian troops will help secure Jewish sites as an official warns the threat of antisemitic violence "is very real."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the rise of The Last Dinner Party
The band The Last Dinner Party is coming to the U.S. next week to tour its second album, "From the Pyre." The members of the band spoke to Anthony Mason about how they met, their rapid rise to fame and the support they've had along the way.
Inside the Vanity Fair Oscar party
For more than 30 years, Vanity Fair has thrown an exclusive Oscar's after party. This year, the magazine's new global editorial director Mark Guiducci decided to trim the guest list, didn't allow press inside and even required guests to put a sticker over their phone camera for privacy. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" and gives an up-close look at the party.
Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Melissa Etheridge opens up about new music
Melissa Etheridge speaks with "CBS Mornings" about releasing her 17th studio album "Rise" later this month, writing about the loss of her son and grief.
Woman on viral Coldplay "kiss cam" speaks out
Kristin Cabot, the woman from the viral Coldplay "kiss cam" video, spoke in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey about the backlash she received from that moment and how it differed from comments made about her boss Andy Byron, the CEO of their company.
Technology
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Technology
Jury still deliberating in social media trial
Jury deliberations for a landmark social media addiction trial in California entered a fourth day Wednesday. CBS News' Elaine Quijano has the latest.
How the military is using AI in war
From intelligence to research and grant applications, artificial intelligence is playing a bigger role in government and military operations.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Landmark social media trial continues
A verdict could come as soon as Tuesday in the landmark trial against Meta and Google for allegedly fueling social media addictions. CBS News contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
U.S. hospitals, insurers turn to AI for claims
A constant battle in the U.S. health care system is the fight between insurers and providers over the cost of medical procedures and who foots the bill. Both sides are turning to artificial intelligence to make their case. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
Science
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Kouri Richins found guilty on all charges
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom accused of killing her husband and later writing a children's book about grief, was found guilty on all charges Monday, including aggravated murder. Her sentencing is now set for May and she faces the possibility of life in prison.
Accused Latin American drug lord arrives in U.S. after years on the run
Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was captured in Bolivia last week and transferred to U.S. custody.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Space
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Space
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Dow closes down after Fed holds rates steady
The stock market responded negatively on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged for a second straight policy meeting. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
Heated exchanges between Paul, Mullin at hearing
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky accused Homeland Security secretary nominee Markwayne Mullin of being "a man with anger issues" at a confirmation hearing on Wednesday. The conflict appears to stem from alleged comments Mullin made about a 2017 attack against Paul. Watch some of the tense exchanges.
Officials on Iran war's impact on Ukraine
GOP Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas asked about the impact of Iran's war on support for Ukraine's war against Russia. "Is U.S. support maintained or diminished for Ukraine as a result of [Operation] Epic Fury?" Moran asked Lt. Gen. James Adams, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Mullin says he regrets Pretti comment
Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, questioned Sen. Markwayne Mullin about international trips he's conducted while he was in Congress. Mullin, who is appearing for his Senate confirmation hearing to be the next DHS secretary, also said he regretted calling Alex Pretti a "deranged individual" after the Minneapolis resident was shot and killed by a federal agent in early January.
Ossoff grills Gabbard about Iran
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Sen. Jon Ossoff that the intelligence community assessed Iran's nuclear enrichment program was "obliterated" in the 2025 strikes. Ossoff pressed Gabbard about whether Iran posed as an "imminent nuclear threat."